A pathway for learning

October 17, 2012

Photo special to the Town CrierAustintown Rotary President Ron Carroll recently welcomed Janet Polish, STEM director for Austintown schools, to the group's meeting. Polish discussed the goal of the STEM program, which is to provide the highest quality educational experience for students by stimulating creativity and inventive thinking through a focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Students entering grade seven for the 2012-13 school year can participate in the STEM program. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork, innovation, and explore STEM careers. This project-based curriculum is designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity and imagination of middle school students. Projects are more integrated and applied -- changing teaching and letting them actually use the information that they’re learning in a project-based environment. It is a whole new way of teaching and a great opportunity for the kids. Lego Leagues and a Robotics team have also been started as another way to stimulate the kids.